Religion, Law, and Reproductive Rights

On Tuesday, January 22, 2013 in the University Center Theater at the University of Memphis, CROW and almost 50 local organizations observed the 40th anniversary of Roe v. Wade
with a documentary screening and panel discussion.

Nearly 200 people came out to to attend the screening of the Emmy-award winning documentary From Danger to Dignity: The Fight for SafeAbortion. This Emmy-award winning film weaves together two parallel stories: the evolution
of 'underground' networks that helped women find safe abortions outside the law, and
the efforts of activists and legislators who dedicated themselves to legalizing abortion.
Archival footage, combined with interviews, brings history alive by documenting the
courage of those who broke the silence and saved women's lives. Betsy Mandel-Carley,
who participated in the initial Texas hearings that led to Roe v. Wade, opened the
evening. Following the documentary host and co-producer of the WKNO TV-10 weekly series,
"Local Color", Mamie Shannon, led audience members in a meaningful discussion with
our esteemed panelist; and Dr. Sarah Wilkerson Freeman, Professor of History at Arkansas
State University in Jonesboro, ended the evening by thanking our guests, panelists,
hosts, sponsors, and especially the Charl Ormond Williams Foundation, whose generous contribution catalyzed this event.